Airbus to Spend More in OH

Airbus plans to double the $12 billion it spends in the United States each year, with a large share of the increase to come in Ohio, thanks in part to an agreement between the company and a Dayton-area business group.

The airplane manufacturer made the deal with the National Composite Center of Kettering, a nonprofit business-focused organization. They are agreeing to work together to develop a network of Ohio parts suppliers that will sell to Airbus.

Right now, Ohio accounts for about $5 billion of Airbus’ $12 billion in annual spending in this country, which is more than any other state.

“There’s no reason that Ohio can’t benefit even more from that increased spending,” says David Williams, vice president for procurement at Airbus Americas, speaking at a signing ceremony held in Columbus.

He said the company intends to double its U.S. spending in the next eight to nine years, part of a larger strategy to broaden its base of suppliers.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, helped to bring the two participants together and he spoke at the event.

“This agreement we’re signing today gives us the impetus to be even more of an Airbus state,” he says.

Airbus, based in France, is one of two giants in jetliner manufacturing, along with Chicago-based Boeing. Both do business with suppliers in Ohio.

The National Composite Center works with predominately small companies on training and business development. In this context, “composite” generally refers to a type of reinforced plastic, though the center works with a wide variety of manufacturers.

“It’s a huge opportunity,” says Randy Harris, director of engineering at Ferco Aerospace in Warren County. His company fabricates tubes and sheet metal, often for use in jet engines. “We’re really excited about Airbus looking for suppliers in Ohio.”

Edited from a story by Dan Gearino, in the Columbus Dispatch.